Community Update

Hello North Rockland Families,

Early Tuesday morning, students at Thiells Elementary School learned how to stay safe while riding, entering, exiting and waiting for the bus. As part of School Bus Safety Week, the lesson kicked off a week of education across the North Rockland Central School District, with schools participating in activities to reinforce good habits and help students understand their role in protecting themselves and others during daily commutes.

The following evening, 193 North Rockland High School juniors and seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS), recognizing their commitment to the organization’s four pillars: scholarship, service, leadership and character. NHS membership helps students develop the knowledge and skills to become leaders who positively impact their school and community.

Yesterday, North Rockland High School’s College and Career Center hosted its annual college and career fair, featuring representatives from 115 postsecondary institutions and vocational fields - just one part of its year-round programming. Connecting students with a broad range of colleges, universities and career pathways during the school day provides them with dedicated time to explore opportunities and plan for life after graduation..

In addition to school-day costume competitions and festive parades, several Halloween events are on next week’s calendar. Neary Educational Center will host a sensory-friendly Trunk or Treat on October 27 at 6 p.m., followed by Farley Elementary’s Pumpkin Bingo at 6:30 p.m. On October 29, Stony Point Elementary PTA will host its Halloween Glow Bubble Bus at 6:30 p.m. NRHS will close the week with a Trunk or Treat for NRCSD students in grades K-6 on October 30 at 4 p.m. in the high school’s front parking lot.

Dr. Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Around the District

Learning about Drones

Stony Point Elementary's Robotics Club got a closer look at drone technology with a visit from Detective Dwayne Defino and Detective Gerald Villareal from the Rockland County Sheriff's Office Drone Team!

New Friends, No Borders!

Stony Point Elementary students are making connections across the world with new pen pals in Kenya! Thanks to school psychologist Dr. Paul Vespo, Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello and Mrs. Labier’s third-grade class, a summer connection has blossomed into something special through a partnership with the nonprofit Heroes of the Nation.

Preparing for the Next Step

The annual NRHS College and Career Fair gives students dedicated time during the school day to explore postsecondary options, ask questions and start planning for life after graduation.

10th Annual EdCamp Rockland

Educators gathered around the campfire at the 10th annual EdCamp Rockland to share ideas, learn from one another and discuss ways to put students first. The event brought professionals from across the region together for a day of learning, with sessions shaped by the interests and expertise of those in attendance.

College and Career Center

What a week for the College & Career Center and NRHS! This week, we proudly welcomed 115 postsecondary institutions to our College & Career Fair! From colleges and universities to career opportunities, trade programs, and military branches, students had the chance to explore a wide range of pathways for life after NRHS. Through pre-fair activities in their English and History classes, students arrived prepared to engage with representatives, ask meaningful questions, and explore their futures. The feedback from our college and career partners was overwhelmingly positive! A huge thank you to our students, faculty, staff, and visiting representatives for making this event such a success!

Looking ahead, we will welcome Pace University, SUNY Oswego, and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) for Information Sessions next week.

We are also excited to host a Financial Aid 101 Information Session on Monday, November 2, from 5-6 p.m. in the NRHS Main Cafeteria. This session is designed to help parents and guardians better understand the financial aid process, explore available resources, and feel more confident supporting their students through the next steps. For more information, click HERE.

As always, students and families are encouraged to reach out with any questions. Contact Mr. Driscoll at 845-942-3313 | mdriscoll@northrockland.org or Mrs. Skrine at 845-942-3576 | sskrine@northrockland.org.

Principals Month

In honor of National Principals Month, we’re highlighting a few of our dedicated principals each week throughout October, sharing their educational philosophies, career journeys and the lessons they’ve learned from students along the way.

Rebecca Mizrahi, Stony Point Elementary

After beginning her teaching career in the Bronx, Principal Rebecca Mizrahi joined North Rockland in 1998 as a teacher at Willow Grove Middle School. In June 2020, Ms. Mizrahi became Principal of Stony Point Elementary School and is now in her seventh year leading the school community. She said, “I truly believe that children and adults do their best learning when they feel safe, loved, valued, and connected. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. My goal has always been to create a school where students, staff, and families feel like they belong and genuinely want to come together to learn and grow. When people feel happy, supported, and cared for, amazing things can happen!” Students have taught her not to take herself too seriously, reminding her to laugh, find joy in the little things and never underestimate the power of making someone smile.

Angelica Terry, West Haverstraw Elementary

With 23 years in North Rockland and three years as Principal of West Haverstraw Elementary School, Ms. Terry believes every student can learn and is committed to creating a school community where all students feel supported, valued and encouraged to grow. One memorable lesson came when she was singing and dancing during the morning announcements, unaware the broadcast had gone live! A student later reassured her, saying, “It’s okay, Ms. Terry. Even though you are not a good singer, you still were having fun!” The moment reminded her that it’s important to be yourself, let loose and have fun along the way.

Amy Prudente, Thiells Elementary

In her seventh school year at Thiells Elementary School, Principal Amy Prudente stepped into the role during the 2025-26 school year after serving as assistant principal for five years. Mrs. Prudente believes every child has the potential to succeed and that creating a safe, supportive environment where students can ask questions, take risks and learn from mistakes is essential to helping them grow. Her students have also shared a simple but important lesson: there’s always a reason to smile!

Introducing Our New Hire!

Jessica Alvarez

With experience as a special education teacher and elementary school facilitator and Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) chairperson, Jessica Alvarez joins the NRCSD Special Services Department ready to support students and families. Ms. Alvarez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Manhattanville University and a Master of Science degree from Touro University. Previously, Jessica worked in the City School District of New Rochelle and the New York City Department of Education. As she begins this new chapter, she looks forward to learning more about the North Rockland community, getting to know the students and becoming part of the Special Services team.

Hudson H.

Hudson is a senior on the varsity boys volleyball team. During their game against East Ramapo, he played all three sets and was an absolute force on the court. As an outside hitter, Hudson knows when it’s time to strike and make his mark on the court. He is one of the most successful and consistent hitters on the team. As the season has progressed, he has grown as a player on and off the court, showing great leadership and determination to the sport. Coach Denmead said, “Hudson is our emotional leader. When we need a point, we go to him. He’s got a mean swing.”

Sophie W.

Sophie is an eighth grader on the modified field hockey team. During the team’s first game against Suffern, Sophia had an outstanding performance as goalie in. She was making saves everywhere and kept the team in the game. Going off of a great performance, she contributed in their game against Nanuet leading them to their first win of the season. Coach Grall, “Sophia was a wall in the goal and never gave up.”

Athletics

Girls Swimming Senior Day

Before their meet against White Plains, the varsity girls swim team celebrated their two seniors! It was a beautiful ceremony and we’re so Raider Proud of this group of seniors. We wish them the best of luck in their next chapters!

girls field hockey smiling in pink uniforms

Breast Cancer Awareness Around Athletics

For the month of October, some of our teams and fans have been repping pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Teams like Field Hockey, Girls Volleyball and Football have been showing their support.

JV Girls Volleyball are Rockland County Champions

Congratulations to our JV girls volleyball team on winning the Rockland County Championships! The Red Raiders were undefeated the entire time and managed to win against Clarkstown North with a final score of 25-23. Let's go Red Raiders!

Winter Sports

Winter Sports Registration Opened

Winter sports registration is officially opened!!! Get ready for another exciting season of North Rockland Athletics and take a look at the winter sports available to our students below:

BOWLING – Varsity

BOYS BASKETBALL–Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshmen, Modified

GIRLS BASKETBALL –Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING – Varsity, Junior Varsity

ICE HOCKEY - Varsity, Modified

BOYS SWIMMING - Varsity, Modified

GIRLS TRACK – Varsity

BOYS TRACK – Varsity

SKIING - Varsity

WRESTLING – Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

GIRLS WRESTLING – Varsity

North Rockland High School
Winter sports begin on November 16, 2026